Sustainable U Programs

**NEW** We have partnered with Local Catch Monterey Bay, a CSF (Community Supported Fishery). Now you can pick up fresh, sustainably harvested fish every Thursday here in the library! Sign up here: http://www.localcatchmontereybay.com/

PROGRAMS

(Please scroll to the bottom for upcoming programs)

Sustainable U: Bare Root Plants for Edible and Ornamental Gardens, October 26, 2013, 12-2pm, Margie Edinger RoomFall is the time to plant bare root plants. Bare root plants come in their dormant state as just the bare wood. There are many benefits to buying bare roots – they are less expensive, you can find many more varieties than what is generally up-potted by nurseries, and there is usually less shock to the plant when planting from bare root. Please come and listen to Master Gardener Roberta Barnes to learn about planting bare root trees, shrubs and perennials.

Sustainable U: Electric Vehicles and Silicon Valley Power’s Solar Express, November 9, 2013, 8:15am-12pmEver wonder what makes an electric car run? Come out and meet with the San Francisco Bay Leaf group as they show off their dynamic electric cars. Or bring your own electric car and share in the fun. Stay for an engaging talk from Silicon Valley Power and hop aboard their Solar Express. See just what solar power can do!
8:15-9:00 am: Electric Vehicle car show. Library’s east-side parking lot.
9:00-Noon: Electric vehicle talk and Silicon Valley Power presentation. Margie Edinger Room.

Breadmaking for Beginners,December 8, 2013, 1-2:30pm & 3-4:30pmFlour. Water. Salt. Yeast. These are all of the ingredients you need to make wonderful bread. This hands-on class will use the no-knead method of baking and review the importance of ingredients. Stop worrying about what’s in bread from the grocery store (some kinds have over twenty ingredients) and learn to make your own delicious bread at home.

Growing Your Own Citrus Successfully,February 22, 2014, Noon-1:30pmCitrus trees are beautiful and produce delicious fruit, making them a great choice for home gardeners. Join Master Gardener Roberta Barnes to learn which types of citrus do best in Santa Clara County and how to care for them. Techniques for planting and pruning will be covered.

Stay after the program for a raffle with goodies from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Growing Warm Season Vegetables,March 29, 2014,Noon-1:30pm
Get a head start on growing warm season vegetables. Master Gardener Laura Monczynski will review how to prepare soil, start seeds indoors, and the proper time to plant. Learn what vegetables work well in the Bay Area and how you can get the most out of your garden.

Seed Library Kick-Off Party, May 10, 2014, 1-4pmJoin us for the Santa Clara Seed Share ribbon cutting and an introduction to the Silicon Valley Grows program! This partnership of several Bay Area libraries aims to have people in each community grow the same crop; this year’s selection is the Cherokee Trail of Tears black bean. Participants will receive seeds and a pint-sized planter. In addition, Master Gardeners will discuss spring planting and how to make the most of your garden. To keep track of your progress, we’ll also be making gardening journals out of recycled materials. Coffee and cake will be served as well.

Volunteer Fair,May 24, 2014, 11am-1pmInterested in volunteering? Come to our volunteer fair and visit with non-profit organizations from across the bay area. Find a rewarding way to give back to the community and have fun at the same time.

Grow Your Own Culinary Herbs,May 31, 2014, Noon-1:30pmLearn from UC Master Gardener Ann Ranish how easy it is to grow your own herbs to add lively flavor to your meals. Some culinary herbs grow well in the vegetable garden; others are good companions for drought tolerant ornamentals. Most will grow well in containers. Bring your questions!

Replace Your Lawn!,June 3, 2014, 6-7:30pmDrought in on every California gardener’s mind. Come to this talk and be inspired to create a beautiful, water-wise garden! See a variety of no-lawn landscaping styles and ideas, and get professional landscaping tips on removing a lawn, choosing the appropriate plants, and watering more efficiently. All this, without sacrificing the look of a lush landscape.

Backyard Chickens, June 14, 2014, 2-3pmDid you know you can keep chickens in the City of Santa Clara? Have you ever been interested in starting your own backyard chicken coop? Join this informative talk from Veggielution Farms and learn how to care for your own flock of backyard chickens. This talk will help get you started on your very own urban homesteading adventure. Fresh eggs will be raffled off to lucky attendees.

Biking in the Library,June 15, 2014, 11am-2pmBring your bicycle to the library! Ride on down and enjoy some hands on tips on how to keep your bicycle running smoothly. Learn how to change a tire, oil your gears, replace a chain, and much more! Bay Area Bike Mobile will be on hand to help you get the most out of your bicycle. A short talk will be given about bicycle safety and local trails.

Fun with Fermentation - Pickles, June 16, 2014, 6-7:30pmInterested in the wonderful world of fermentation? Try your hand at pickling! Kelly McVicker from the amazing McVicker Pickles Company teaches this hands-on talk. Walk away with a jar of your very own fermenting pickles.

Please bring your own mason jar. Space is very limited, RSVP at the Reference desk 408-615-2900.

Pizza Making for Kids, June 21, 2014, 1-2:30pmRoll out your dough, chop healthy veggies and take home a pizza you can call your own! Learn how pizza doesn’t have to be an “unhealthy” option, but a fun event for the whole family. Connect to where food comes from and enjoy produce from our local farm box program.

Pizza Making, June 21, 2014, 3-4:30pmRoll out your dough, chop healthy veggies and take home a pizza you can call your own! Learn how pizza doesn’t have to be an “unhealthy” option, but a fun event for the whole family. Connect to where food comes from and enjoy produce from our local farm box program.

Please bring an apron and a mixing bowl. Reserve your space at the Reference Desk 408.615.2900.

Homebrewing in the Library, June 23, 2014, 6:30-8pmHave you always wanted to learn about brewing your own beer and root beer at home? Ira Bletz, Supervising Naturalist at Ardenwood Historic Farm, will be bringing his many years of homebrewing experience to the library. Join us for this fascinating and informative program and learn about the history of beer making and how you can start brewing at home.

Controlling Animal Pests in the Garden, June 28, 2014, Noon-1:30pmLearn about what kind of damage different animals can do to your garden. Find out what they eat, and when they are active. Learn about the different ways to control them. Different types of traps will be demonstrated, so this presentation may not be appropriate for children.

Beginning Bee Keeping,June 29th, 2014, 2-3pmInterested in starting your own backyard bee hive? Learn about the fascinating world of urban bee keeping, how bees help pollinate your garden, and how to gather rich, unfiltered honey. The Rewick family has kept bees for over 40 years and will share their years of experience to get you started in keeping your own back yard hive. Taste fresh honey. ALL AGES WELCOME.

Jam Making for Beginners, June 30, 2014, 6-7pmDon’t know what to do with all that plentiful summer fruit? Learn to make jam at the library! Happy Girl Kitchen presents this fun and interactive program. Participants will learn all they need to get started in the wonderful world of jamming. Space is limited; please RSVP with the Adult Services department at (408) 615-2900.

This program was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian